Legislation to Legalize Medical Cannabis Announced in Indiana

Indiana State Senator Karen Tallian has announced that she will soon file legislation aimed at legalizing cannabis for medical purposes, which will be discussed in the upcoming legislative session which begins next month.

Senator Tallian last year introduced legislation to decriminalize the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis, though that proposal unfortunately stalled in committee.

“My bills in the past have only addressed the decriminalization of marijuana, but I had planned on including a medical facet of the proposal that would allow for medical marijuana in Indiana,” said Tallian in a recent press release. “For this upcoming session, I have a bill ready to file to legalize medical marijuana.”

Tallian says she believes the growing momentum for cannabis law reform throughout the country – including the recent passage of a federal spending bill that defunds medical cannabis raids – will help add weight to her effort.

“Thirty-two states have already legalized medicinal marijuana, so the national tide is definitely turning when it comes to the acceptability of medical marijuana,” says Tallian. “I am ready and eager to get to work after this last major federal obstacle has been lifted.”

Anthony Martinelli

Anthony is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of TheJointBlog. He has worked closely with numerous elected officials who support cannabis law reform, including as the former Campaign Manager for King County (WA) Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. He has been published by multiple media outlets, and is a former contributor for Village Voice Media.